Plan your family-friendly adventure with our list of the Shoalhaven’s very best waterfalls, compiled in partnership with the experts at South Coast Kids. The great outdoors is an extremely stimulating environment for children to encounter. All of their senses are ignited by the experience! Smell the fresh air, listen to the wind through the trees and feel the textures of the landscape. Spend the day chasing waterfalls, an absolute family favourite activity. The look on the little ones faces as they watch the water pour down before their eyes is priceless. (To be fair, most adults are pretty impressed by this as well!)

Granite Falls Lookout, Morton National Park

Granite Falls is a 63-metre-high waterfall that runs down the sloping granite rock face into the valley below. It is only a short easy walk from the carpark. A journey through stunning eucalyptus forest, the trail is marked with interpretative signs that highlight the history of the area. The walk is suitable for children, just be aware that there are several stairs once you reach the lookout. The lookout itself is a great place to stop for a rest or snack on the seats.

Additionally, why not drive to George Boyd Lookout afterward, approximately 2km along Twelve Mile Road. There are toilets and a picnic area here adjacent to the carpark. Reach the lookout through a 1km return trail through the rainforest, taking you to a short climb up a ladder where you will get uninterrupted views of the Shoalhaven coastline.

Tianjara Falls Lookout

For a short and easy walk to a waterfall, opt for Tianjara Falls Lookout. Located in West Nowra, the lookout is a really great stop for families with young children. Tianjara falls are created by water from the Yarramunmun Creek dropping off sandstone cliffs and into the valley below. A small, fenced platform gives a great view of the falls and the amazing scenery of Morton National Park. If the kids are feeling brave, there’s a section of the platform that offers views right below your feet! It is best viewed after periods of rain.

The cliff faces are well-known climbing spots, so keep an eye out for adventurous people up on the rocks. Tianjara Falls is located approximately 35km west of Nowra via Braidwood Road. Follow Braidwood Road until you see the sign a short distance from the turnoff to the Falls. The road is sealed all the way but please note that there are no facilities at the lookout.

Telegraph Creek Nature Trail (Green Patch, Booderee National Park)

The Jervis Bay area never ceases to amaze the team at South Coast Kids! It’s truly magnificent and there’s a natural wonder at every turn. This easy, short and kid-friendly loop track is no exception! What makes this such a special little adventure are the creek crossings. Children just love walking across the fern-lined creeks and spotting foraging crayfish on their way past. The trail meanders through woodland, heath and other various types of vegetation that will certainly pique the entire family’s interest. Signposts throughout the walk describe birdlife and plants, including how the flora was useful to local Aboriginal communities.

There’s also seating available on the walk if little feet require a little rest. South Coast Kids recommend taking a break on a lovely, wooden bridge over the creek. The kids will never want to leave! Take Naval College Road into Booderee National Park and follow the signs to Green Patch. The trail begins at the northern end of the Green Patch car park, is 2.4km long and takes roughly one hour to complete.

Belmore Falls, Morton National Park

This waterfall is easily accessed by visitors staying in our northern reaches, the closest town conveniently also being Kangaroo Valley. The Belmore Falls walking track is located about half an hour from the centre of town. It offers not only a waterfall, but there’s also no shortage of lookouts, sensational southern highland vistas, sandstone flora views. It is a 1.8km return journey and we suggest allowing about 30 minutes to an hour for this adventure. The walk starts at the Hindmarsh Lookout carpark, with a magnificent view of Kangaroo Valley.

Follow the signs around the escarpment to several lookouts, the last of which provides views of the waterfall. Typical sandstone flora is a special feature of this walk, including flowers such as honey flower, banksia, wattle and tea-tree. (Image is courtesy of Australian Geographic.)

Fitzroy Falls

This beautiful waterfall is located in Morton National Park, an easy drive away from Kangaroo Valley. It features great facilities, making it an excellent stop for families. With water that drops more than 80 metres, it’s an awe-inspiring sight that will have the entire family entranced! You’ll find plenty of parking at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre. It has a café, souvenir shop, and information on local Aboriginal history and wildlife in the park. From the visitor centre, there’s a short wheelchair-accessible boardwalk to scenic views of the plunging waterfall. Enjoy sweeping views across Kangaroo Valley from Manning lookout. It is an eight minute drive southeast of the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre. The lookout on the sandstone escarpment is a short walk through bushland from the free carpark.